Chapter 4

The sweet and gentle voice that reached Tiara Rose's ears was not part of the game's progression. However, it soothed her anxious heart.

When she turned to see the source of the voice, the person smiled reassuringly.

"It's alright. A lady who holds her head high with pride is more beautiful than anyone else here."

"Aquasteed-sama..."

—Why is he here?

Deep blue hair swayed as Aquasteed passed by Tiara Rose and stood before Hartnights. His eyes, fixed straight ahead, made it seem as if he were condemning Hartnights.

"...Prince Aquasteed, this is our problem."

"No."

Hartnights, without flinching, indirectly told Aquasteed to step back. However, he was immediately met with a refusal.

What should I do? Just as Tiara Rose felt a bit anxious, Aquasteed turned to her.

"Your engagement has been broken, hasn't it? —If so, would you consider becoming my bride?"

"......Eh?"

"I have always admired you."

At Aquasteed's words, the hall fell silent, as if the sound had vanished into the universe. His declaration was so shocking.

Tiara Rose, unable to grasp the meaning at first, opened her eyes wide.

Could someone really propose at such a moment? Normally, it would be impossible. Even if one wanted to confess, there is a proper order to things.

However, Tiara Rose's heart began to race.

Aquasteed Marinforest, the first prince and crown prince of the neighboring kingdom of Marinforest, was the same age as Tiara Rose and had come to the Royal Lapislazuli Kingdom for a one-year exchange program.

While he was not a target for the game's main story, he was announced to be the main character in the sequel, Part 2.

However, Tiara Rose, who had ended her life before the game's release, could not accurately grasp his role.

"I know this is sudden and may have surprised you. —But please, will you consider it?"

"A...!"

Unlike the stern gaze he directed at Hartnights, Aquasteed smiled sweetly and knelt before Tiara Rose.

He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it.

With each of Aquasteed's actions, Tiara Rose's heart beat faster and faster.

Tiara Rose had never experienced such a thing from Hartnights. As the crown prince's fiancée, she had never received advances from other nobles. In other words, she had no immunity.

Not knowing what to do, she turned to her father in the audience for help, but he only nodded in response.

—What do you want me to do, Father?

Just a moment ago, he seemed ready to argue with Hartnights, but now he was quietly sitting as a spectator.

Realizing there was no help, Tiara Rose turned her gaze to Aquasteed, determined to give a proper response.

"Thank you. I am very honored by your feelings, Prince Aquasteed."

"W...Wait...!"

"!"

While trying to suppress her racing heart, Tiara Rose smiled at Aquasteed. In return, he smiled back at her—just as the heroine, Akari's voice echoed through the hall.

Her body trembling, she whispered, "That's impossible," but no one likely heard her.

Perhaps she didn't think she could interrupt the words of Aquasteed, the crown prince of a larger kingdom than Lapislazuli. Hartnights, standing next to Akari, opened his eyes wide in shock.

Completely unaware of the disrespect, Akari continued.

"Lady Tiara was just Hartnights-sama's fiancée! How can you propose to her? I think there are much better people for you, Prince Aquasteed!"

"......"

What is she saying? Everyone in the hall must have thought.

However, Aquasteed remained silent, his gaze still fixed on Tiara Rose as if he hadn't heard her.

"Prince Aquasteed!"

"......!?"

The next moment, everyone in the hall held their breath. Akari had run up to Aquasteed and grabbed his arm.

"Lady Tiara can be a bit harsh in her words. Please come this way."

"Lady Akari, this is Prince Aquasteed of the neighboring kingdom. You should not touch him. Please release your hand."

This was certainly not good. Not just for Akari, but for the kingdom as well. It was such a disrespectful act that it could lead to the severing of relations with the Kingdom of Marinforest.

Why can't Akari understand such a simple thing? While Tiara Rose was troubled, she knew she had to do something to resolve the situation.

Perhaps losing patience with Akari's refusal to let go, Aquasteed raised his hand and called for his attendant. Akari was quickly pulled away, and everyone in the hall must have breathed a sigh of relief.

"I am deeply sorry, Prince Aquasteed. I know this is unforgivable."

"Lady Tiara, those are not your words to say. If anyone should apologize here, it is Prince Hartnights."

"......!! I... I am sorry, Prince Aquasteed."

"Well, I will forgive you."

The roles had truly reversed.

Now, the person with the most advantage in this situation was Aquasteed. Due to Akari's selfish words and actions, which she thought were for Aquasteed's benefit.

As soon as Aquasteed gave Hartnights a stern look, he immediately apologized. While it was unusual for a crown prince to apologize so quickly, everyone could see that the Kingdom of Lapislazuli was at fault.

However, if the situation were to escalate further, it would be too much for Hartnights to handle.

His twisted face of regret might make some feel sorry for him, but given that this was during the engagement break-up event, most would see it as a just punishment.

"I must have confused you by interrupting. Don't look so worried, Lady Tiara."

"No... I have been helped by Prince Aquasteed, so I shouldn't be like this."

Even without Aquasteed's intervention, nothing would have happened to Tiara Rose. Looking at the current situation, she realized this.

While it felt like a game, it was too unrealistic in the real world.

"Let go! Let go!!"

Akari, who was being pulled away by Aquasteed's attendant, tried to resist, but she was stopped by the king's voice, who had been an observer until now.

"That's enough."

A deep, authoritative voice echoed through the hall.

Alexander Lapislazuli Lactumoot, the king of the Kingdom of Lapislazuli, was only 37 years old but was a well-respected ruler among his people.

"Father!?"

"Your Majesty! We must stop Lady Tiara before she offends Prince Aquasteed!"

Hartnights' surprised voice and Akari's insistence to pull Tiara Rose away from Aquasteed. However, the king glanced at them and bowed to Aquasteed.

"One of our people has been disrespectful."

"—No, I also interrupted suddenly."

"I appreciate your understanding."

Not only the prince but the king himself apologized. This fact was a heavy burden for the nobles of the Kingdom of Lapislazuli. Everyone glared at Akari, wishing she would leave quickly.

"However, I did not expect Prince Aquasteed to propose to Lady Tiara Rose."

"I thought this was the only opportunity. Your Majesty, Duke Clamentier, will you allow my marriage to Lady Tiara Rose?"

"Hmm..."

Aquasteed's gaze turned to Alexander and Duke Clamentier, Tiara Rose's father.

His gaze was so serious that everyone could sense his sincerity.

Tiara Rose, watching from behind Aquasteed, listened intently for their response.

"Of course, I welcome it. It will be a good alliance between our kingdom and Marinforest."

"Thank you. However, Duke Clamentier might still have concerns about a sudden proposal."

"...No. I have heard good things about Prince Aquasteed. I am confident he will take good care of my daughter. But, I have just hurt my daughter by breaking her engagement with Prince Hartnights. Therefore, I want to respect her wishes."

The Duke of Clamentier, Tiara Rose's father, did not immediately accept the proposal from the crown prince of a powerful kingdom.

Refusing a marriage proposal from royalty was unthinkable. However, for his daughter's happiness, he was even prepared to be condemned and gave his response.

Contrary to expectations, Aquasteed shook his head.

"You are a good father, Duke Clamentier. When Lady Tiara gives a positive response... I will come to greet you again."

"Prince Aquasteed...!"

Tiara Rose panicked at his words.

However, even if she said yes now, Aquasteed would not be satisfied. He would say it's fine to give a good response out of consideration.

"I was too hasty. But can I have the opportunity to go out with you soon?"

"......Yes, I would be delighted."

Tiara Rose, who had held her breath at her father's words, was relieved by Aquasteed's kindness.

However, she wondered why such a kind prince would admire her. She decided to ask him when they went out.

The king and Duke Clamentier smiled deeply, watching the two.

"I am very sorry for the trouble today. Hartnights, please leave immediately. ...Everyone, enjoy the rest of the time."

The king's voice echoed through the hall again, and Hartnights and the others left the scene.

Tiara Rose was instructed to return home quickly, as her father, Duke Clamentier, would handle the aftermath. This was a considerate act as a father.

Aquasteed, of course, offered to escort her. "It's a perk," he said with a smile, and Tiara Rose, blushing, could only say, "Yes."

Tonight, a meeting would be held between Hartnights, the king, and Duke Clamentier, and the discussion with Aquasteed would take place the next day.

Akari, who glared at Tiara Rose as she was escorted by Aquasteed, was placed under house arrest in a room at the palace until the meeting was over.

Today, the daily ranking for the noon edition was 2nd place! I am so happy.

Thank you for all the bookmarks, ratings, and support.

I update every day at 7 PM, and the story is planned to be 15 chapters in total. However, since many people are reading it, I am considering continuing the series from Chapter 2 onwards.